Travelling abroad with a car and trailer: rules, documents, insurance

Travelling around Europe in your own car with a trailer opens up more opportunities for transport, recreation and freedom of route. However, each such trip requires special preparation — from documents to insurance. Learn more about the rules for leaving the country, the necessary permits and the nuances of travelling abroad with a trailer

Insurance policy Green card for traveling abroad by car

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Travelling abroad in your own car with a trailer is becoming increasingly popular among Ukrainians. It is convenient, economical and gives you more freedom in choosing your route. However, this type of travel requires careful preparation: correct documentation, insurance and compliance with traffic rules in European countries.

We will tell you how to prepare for your trip to avoid any problems and cross the border without any hassle.

Can you get a Green Card while abroad? We explain here.

Planning a trip abroad in your own car?

Apply for a mandatory Green Card policy online in just a few minutes!

What are the rules for travelling abroad with a car and trailer?

Travelling with a trailer requires the driver to take into account a number of technical and legal nuances. First of all, the car and trailer must be in good working order and registered. You must also have the appropriate category of driving licence: category ‘B’ is sufficient only if the total weight of the car and trailer does not exceed 3,500 kg. If the weight is greater, category ‘BE’ is required.

Trailers are divided into light (up to 750 kg) and heavy (over 750 kg). Depending on the category, the rules for operation, registration and even road restrictions differ. Many EU countries have strict speed limits for vehicles with trailers: up to 50 km/h in the city, 80 km/h outside the city, and 80-100 km/h on motorways. Carefully study the local traffic rules of the country you are travelling to.

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What documents are required to travel abroad with a car and trailer?

For the car and trailer

Your car must be officially registered, and the driver must have a valid international driving licence. It is especially important to obtain a Green Card, as this is a mandatory type of insurance for travelling outside Ukraine.

The trailer must also have a registration certificate. A separate Green Card will be required for the trailer. If you plan to transport goods or heavy equipment, additional permits may be required.

For the driver and passengers

The driver and all passengers must have foreign passports with biometrics or a visa. Medical insurance is mandatory — without it, you may not be allowed to enter the EU. This insurance covers the costs of treatment, emergency care and even repatriation in case of a serious situation.

How the Green Card is checked at the border — we explained this in our previous article.

Compulsory insurance: how to prepare your car and yourself for a trip?

Green card for cars

This is international car insurance that is recognised by most European countries. It covers the driver's liability to third parties in the event of an accident abroad. Green cards have different validity periods — from 15 days to 1 year. It is important to have a valid card for the entire period of your stay abroad.

Helpful tip! The most convenient way to get a Green Card is online through Visit Ukraine — it's fast, official, and there are no queues.

Travel insurance for travellers

Even a short trip abroad can be accompanied by unforeseen situations. Travel medical insurance covers the costs of treatment, medication, hospitalisation, as well as evacuation or transportation of the body in case of death. The insurance amount usually starts at €30,000, which meets the requirements of the Schengen area.

You can take out travel insurance and ensure peace of mind while travelling in just a few minutes on the Visit Ukraine portal.

Tips for safe travel abroad with a trailer

Before travelling, it is worth planning your route carefully, taking into account the specifics of driving with a trailer in different countries. In some cities or on mountainous sections of the road, entry with a trailer may be restricted. It is also important to distribute the load in the trailer correctly in order to maintain balance and avoid dangerous situations.

Separately, make sure you have vehicle insurance and a travel insurance policy. This will help you avoid unexpected expenses in unforeseen circumstances.

Travelling abroad by car with a trailer is not only an exciting adventure, but also a responsible decision. The main thing is to prepare thoroughly, complete all the paperwork and have the necessary insurance. Following the rules and good planning will ensure a comfortable and safe journey.

To make your trip safe and cost-effective, get Green Card and travel insurance at Visit Ukraine.

Reminder! Green Card is international motor insurance, which is mandatory for leaving Ukraine in your own vehicle. In which countries is Green Card valid — we tell you here.

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Visit Ukraine Insurance - insurance for a safe stay abroad without unnecessary expenses;

Green Card - compulsory car insurance for traveling abroad;

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